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Readerswrite: The Things Some Ramayana Readers Say (And Don’t Say)

It’s now official: I’m unable to keep up with my reader mail.

Just don’t expect a romantic liaision!

“WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE AKB RAMAYANA”

“I picked up the first two volumes of the Ramayana out of curiousity. Every Indian has, of course, heard of the Ramayana. But this was something new. The so-called ‘real’(read or heard) Ramayanas are interesting, but somehow fail to drag you into India’s epic age. The characters and the battles are all there, but it sounds all very formal, because you’re hearing about gods incarnate.

The great thing about this new Ramayana is that the guys are people of flesh and blood, likes and dislikes, and subject to every human emotion and desire. You are reading about HUMANS, not celestial beings. The result is that you end up feeling closer to them than you ever felt when you first heard the story on your granny’s lap, and a hundred times afterwards.

AKB achieves a representation of detail as never before. There is no blandness whatsoever, and on every page you discvover something you know in a way that you don’t know. It is as if you are in there, there is a feeling of…well… ‘inclusion’ that is not present in any other versions.

In the other Ramayanas, Ayodhya, and the Arya nations and Lanka, were mere backdrops for what happened to the characters, like those big cradborad cut outs that form the back grounds in plays, and no one really pays much attention to. But here, its all there and this time it is much more realstic, in a way that I can’t explain.

Of course, some people have reactions like ‘It was NOTHING like this’. But WHAT is nothing like this? There was never any true canon for the Ramayana, it was always someone’s interpretation, and this series is one of those. Given enough time, I bet that this retelling will rise to the heights of those by Tulsidas and Valmiki.” Atharva Dandekar, Mumbai, India

Dear Atharva, thank you for articulating it so well. You’re right, every Ramayana written before is an interpretation, not the last word. Even Valmiki and Tulsidas said so themselves. Thank you for appreciating my interpretation. If it helps you to understand, then you should know that I was driven to write it by powerful feelings – it was like being there, seeing and hearing everything that happened, right before me.
(No, this is not some Past Life experience I’m talking about, just an author’s intense involvement born out of exhaustive research and the inevitable inspired insight that follows carefully prepared groundwork.)

There is a fanatical way of reading a text, and an intellectual way.

And then there is a human way.

I chose the human way. Because I’m no different from you or anyone else, and
no more talented (or less). But I focussed my antenna in the right direction, read the right sourcebooks, and then allowed myself the freedom to tune in and fine-tune until I got the reception just right, and then I recorded everything I received over that celestial ether. Call it inspiration, call it good authorial discipline, or just plain call it empathy for what they must have felt in those circumstances back then.

I’m happy that you, and many others like yourself, feel I succeeded to some extent.

You make it possible for me to keep telling this story, and others – such as
the Mahabharata I am now working on.

Best

Ashok

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“A fan across the seas! I was recommended the first book of the Ramayana series by a friend of mine, and I must admit I was somewhat skeptical to begin with, and a little wary.
But I was also intrigued, since my friend has issues with religion in general, and HE was recommending it…I now see why!:) I loved the first book of this series so much because it was so natural and all the emotions of the characters were so tangible and understandable. I’m quite upset because I haven’t been able to buy any of the books in our local bookstores here in Toronto, and I’ve been desperately seeking them out!!! Anyway, thank you very much for your lovely work, it’s great to be reading something that although fictional, is a part of our culture that we don’t normally get to understand completely! Your books are truly a treasure!” Nithya, Toronto, Canada

“Hi Nithya, and thanks! It’s unfortunate you can’t find copies in Toronto, since all the first four books are supposed to be available there (and usually are).

Suggest you try the specialty SF bookstores, my books are often shelved there, although I disagree with the classification (as you can understand).

It’s always great to hear from an Indian fan who really ‘gets’ what I was trying to do, because ultimately it takes an Indian mind to really understand the difference between my attempt and the typical traditional retellings. So do keep reading and supporting the series: it wouldn’t exist without readers like you.

PS: If you can’t get it at any bookstore, then try Amazon.ca. I’m sure
they’ll have all of them. Amazon UK definitely does. Best, Ashok

“Dear SIR, I want to thank you heartly for removing your such a precious time for reading my letter and ansering it. After reading your letter my thoughts for you and your books have changed completely, the very moment i came to know that your books have been read by more than millions of people in india as well as other countries of the world I was very happy & proud that our culture & super epic ‘RAMAYAN’ is been reached to all the people out there. I sencierly appreciate your efforts for the same. Please continue to do so & I am sorry for being rude to you in my previous letter. I pray to almighty RAM that your forthcoming books may reach to the heights of unlimited sky. JAY SHRI RAM” Nimit Vora, Mumbai

“Dear Mr. Banker, I have read the first 2 books of the Ramayana, and was pleased to the core… my knowledge on the ramayana is from my childhood days from books, comics (Amar Chitra Katha) and the like… and there was this particular book which showed Ravana (born a Brahmin) to be the good hearted but wronged (by the gods for being born of a demoness) guy. He had wrong ideas infused into him by his rakshasi mother, and went on to win Shivas Atmalinga. There is also a story about him performing the Shiva pooja for Rama and blessing him with Victory…brilliant stories. Are they included in your series on the Ramayana? Also, I cannot get hold of the third book in the series- ‘The Demons of Chitrakoot’ here in London. None of the WHSmiths seem to have it.

I read that you are planning writing on the Mahabharata? Well, looks like you are the ‘choosen one’;)

Awaiting the remaining books in the series.

Kind regards,” Tushar Tendolkar, London, UK

Hi Tushar, and thanks for the appreciation. There are many verbal legends centred around the characters of the Ramayana, such as the couple you mention, and I have tried to include some in my retelling. But mostly I have based my structure on Valmiki’s and Kamban’s retellings, while creating my own liberal interpretation. So, the answer would be, no, I haven’t included all the verbal variations – it would be impossible to do so, as several are contradictory. For example, one famous recension has Rama and Sita as siblings, with Ravana as their father. And the Far Eastern retellings, while wonderful and valid in their own right, are completely different from anything we know.

I’m surprised you can’t get copies of Demons of Chitrakut, especially since even the fourth book, Armies of Hanuman, is out now. I suggest you try some specialty bookstores stores which stock SF and Fantasy, since my UK publisher, Orbit is best known for those genres (my Ramayana is their first foray into more non-traditional ethnic literature). Or you could just get them from Amazon UK by clicking on the images of the books on my website, and placing your order.

About being the ‘chosen one’, excuse me while I chuckle :~). You make me sound like Neo in the Matrix films! I’m just an ordinary guy, no different from you or anybody else, not especially talented or brilliant – I’m a college dropout and a pretty dismal failure throughout my school career, especially in English. I guess I just have a lot of passion and motivation, and I really genuinely love our epic tales and legends and believe they deserve to find a wider readership.

Thanks to readers like yourself, I’ve achieved a little success. If the royalty statements are right, and if I’m reading them right, then my Ramayana series is now approaching the 1 million copy sales mark worldwide. I guess that’s pretty okay for a college dropout who was denied permission to study Eng. Literature by correspondence while holding a much-needed job because “it is not possible to study English on your own, young man.” I guess I proved them wrong, hey?

Stay kewl, don’t drewl, keep reading…” The Banker

“I Loved this book! I first discovered the Ramayana when I went to my nephew’s school play, yes I said school play! Then I saw the book and bought it. About the time I thought the next one would be out, I went to get it, and was told the publisher didn’t pick it up. I couldn’t find it anywhere. The other day I realized I could could try online. So here I am! I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. I am so happy! If you are into seeing different versions of this story, you might want to check out Mount Madonna School’s production sometime. They do it every year. This year it runs June 10th-12th.at World Theater CSU Monterey Bay. They film it as well. I hope you don’t mind me promoting it, but I thought it was relavent. Never stop writing.” Christina, Watsonville, USA

Dear Christina, thanks for those wonderful words. Don’t worry, I don’t mind your promoting the school production of Ramayana at all – after all, it’s not as if it’s some MNC brand you’re plugging, it’s another version of the Ramayana and it’s always interesting to hear about different versions.

You’re right about the US publisher of my Ramayana series not picking up the rest of the books after Book 1, but frankly, it turned out to be for the best. The original editor, Betsy Mitchell, moved to Random House, and with her went the only person who really empathised with the spirit of the series and understood that this is not just another ‘epic fantasy’ or Tolkien ripoff. Anyway, the same publisher’s UK division, under it’s Orbit Books imprint, is now publishing the books for the US market, as you discovered online for yourself. From August onwards, you’ll find it easier to buy my books in the US.

Keep reading, and write me anytime. Warmest wishes, Ashok

“Hey Ashok, just finished the 4th book today while commuting to work. Ratnakar’s transition to Valmiki was well written, I didn’t see it coming for a long time. Also loved the part when Sita appeals to Prithvi-ma and how She reaches out to rescue Her child. Great writing. Hope Armies of Hanuman does well to carry your words into Lanka. Look forward to the next book..any idea when it might be out here in Malaysia? Gluck with the book launch! Regards,” Sunnil, Kuala Lampur

Thanks, Sunnil. Glad you liked Armies. I worked long and carefully to make Bearface’s transition credible. This was one of the places where my Ramayana differs from previous retellings, while staying true to the known facts and spirit of the epic. The Valmiki legend is an inherent part of the Ramayana tale, and I thought it would be great to integrate it with the larger story. So glad people are liking it now. Do keep reading. Bridge of Rama comes out worldwide in December, and the last book, King of Ayodhya, will be in stores everywhere next May (2006). Best wishes, Ashok

“Armies of Hanuman. In this the fourth book of Ashok Banker’s retelling of the Ramayana we are reunited with our characters 13 years from the date we left them beginning their fourteen year exile. Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman along have fought alongside a motly band of outcast and outlaws against the Asura hoard for the whole time.

At the onset of the novel we learn that Rama has decided to end the war one way or another. Although still outnumbered 5 to 1 he has devised a plan that he hopes will even the odds in his favour. Although there are unexpected occurences during the battle (the rakshasas meld together to form super beasts made up of fifty of their kind) Rama’s forces eventually prevail. Rama, Sita, and Lakshman are free to to spend their final year of exile in peace.

Or so they think.

If you are someone like Rama who has succesfully conquered the rakshasas at every turn, you are bound to have made some pretty bad enemies. The rest of the story is bound up in the telling of the ressurection from near death of his major foe (Ravana the king of the Asura world) and his plots for revenge on Rama.

But allies can come from many places, and in this case Rama’s prowess as a military leader and unfailing comitment to dharma (sacred duty) has attracted the attention of the vanars, a highly developed species of ape.

Hanuman of the title has had Rama under observation for some time and has entertained hopes of enlisting his aid in restoring his king to his rightful throne. Through circumstances they end up joining forces and becoming friends and allies.

In this fourth book Mr. Banker continues to do a masterful job of bringing an ancient story to life and making it accessable to those of all cultures. Again he has managed to walk the fine line of neither over explaining concepts and beliefs to those who are unfamiliar with them and thus boring others, while at the same time never leaving any reader in the dark. In fact in this volume I found that, either from the knowledge I had accumulated from the earlier instalments, or even cleverer integration on the author’s part, the story, the characters, and the moral lessons and education were woven together even more seamlessly. Maybe it’s because now that Rama and ourselves have proceeded down our paths together into maturity we are living our teachings instead of learning them.

Whatever the reason, or however that Mr. Banker has done it I found Armies of Hanuman had an even better flow and narrative then any of the previous titles. Instead of admiration for simply managing the feat of presenting the story in an understandable way competing with enjoyment of the tale, I was able to just sit back and read the adventures of Rama as I would any other novel. That is an amazing accomplishment on the part of Mr. Banker.

I’m left with only one question, being unfamiliar with the original text (out of interest I took out an adaptation from our local library that was done in 1910 and found it totaly incomprehensible in terms of plot and storyline so I can’t use it as any basis for study) was the inclusion of Ratnaker’s conversion to Valmiki, the ant hill. Had the original author included himself in the tale as an example of how even the most corrupt could be changed for the better? Or was this Mr. Banker’s nod to the originator of the story?

The Armies of Hanuman is another example of Ashok Banker’s abilities as a story teller par excellence. The characters continue to develop and mature, his villans although evil and despicable, are multifaceted and interesting and the introduction of new characters is handled seamlessly and naturaly. There is a certain organic quality to the way this tale is progressing; it’s like watching the development of an exceptional plant from a green and tender shoot to the point that it bears fruit. Right now we are begining to taste its first sweet rewards.” Richard Marcus, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

This review refers to the UK-USA edition of Armies of Hanuman. To order the book from Amazon UK click on the picture above.

Hi, Richard. First of all, congratulations on winning a free advance signed copy of my next novel, Bridge of Rama. Don’t forget to send me your mailing address and one daytime telephone number so I can send you a copy the moment I receive it from the presses – which will only be sometime in November, I’m afraid. But if you prefer not to wait that long, you’re welcome to take a copy of any of my other books in lieu of it.

I’m glad you liked Armies of Hanuman and found so much to like in it, not least because I know how difficult it must be for most western readers to digest the high code of morality that Rama adheres to: it’s been a bone of contention for American readers in particular, and as you might be aware, was one of the reasons why the series was cancelled by its American publishers. (It’s since been taken over by a different division of the same parent company, Orbit Books, which is responsible for the newly redesigned editions available in your local Canadian bookstores.)

To answer your question about Valmiki. It’s true that he includes himself in his retelling of the Ramayana – after all, as he tells us in the very first chapter of his Sanskrit poem, it was Sage Narada who first narrated the tale of Rama’s travels (literally translated as ‘Rama-yana’) to him, and he later re-imagined the whole epic in a new verse form in an attempt to better understand this story of an ideal man. Legend also tells us that Valmiki was a brigand and highwayman who killed travellers and stole their belongings to support himself and his family, but he had a change of heart when his wife said that she and their children had no part in his crimes and that his moral culpability for them was his alone to endure. He then gave up his criminal ways and turned to a life of prayer and meditation, becoming a venerated sage and guru. The incident with the termites is also part of the lore of Valmiki’s transformation into a spiritual master, and is the reason for his assumed name, Valmik-i.

At the end of the Ramayana tale, at least in Valmiki’s version, he does indeed write himself into the story, with Sita staying at his ashram and raising her twin sons under his watchful care. There are other incidents of Valmiki’s encounters with Rama too.

So it was a small leap for me to take the Valmiki legend and integrate it into my retelling of Rama’s story. All I did was postulate incidents wherein he encountered Rama while he, Ratnakar, was still a brigand. And then to show how, through his exposure to Rama’s inspiring exemplar life choices, he was moved to turn away from a life of killing to a higher calling. The specific scenes between Rama and Ratnakar, as well as the name ‘bearface’, and the poaching incident, are figments of my imagination based on likely possibilities found in various puranas. This follows in a honourable tradition of reimagining ancient tales, explored to great success by predecessors like Vyasa, Kamban, Tulsidas, K.M. Munshi, Irawati Karve, and many others. All the hints are given in our ancient scriptures: only the manner of representing it in a form appropriate to modern English-language readers is my humble transcreation.

With warmest regards, Ashok K. Banker, Mumbai, India

“Hi Ashok. I’m a consultant in the development sector in my early 30s. I’m a fan of your books and an upcoming author myself. My first book titled “The Avatar Way of Leadership – Leadership Lessons from Rama, Krishna and Draupadi” is being published by Rupa & Co towards the end of this year. I wanted to know whether you would be willing to look at my interpretations of the characters of Rama, Krishna and Draupadi as real life leaders and write a few words of review. The book is already in the proof reading stage and will be ready to be sent for review in mid June itself. I know that my request comes at the last moment but I just wanted to know whether it would be possible for you to take out the time to do so. I read your review of Iravati Karve’s Yuganta on your blog and enjoyed it a lot. Her work has influenced me a lot in shaping my views on the characters of Krishna and Draupadi. I’m already working on a second book manuscript to consist of a series of essays on the characters and the socio-political situation in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana which will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Irawati Karve. I’m including below a short description of my book – “The Avatar Way of Leadership”. If it interests you, please let me know. I’d really appreciate your support and encouragement. Thanks.” Harsh Verma, Patna

Hi, Harsh, I admire Irawati Karve’s work a great deal and am glad we share a mutual respect for her scholarship. However, I have mixed feelings about the newly risen genre of books on leadership/management lessons taken from the Indian puranas. Perhaps it would be best if I don’t read and comment on your book – after all, I’m sure that when you say you would like me to review it, you expect an encouraging review, and it’s surely not fair to ask for a review with that expectation in mind. I’m sure if your book is truly worthwile, it will find its own market and readership without help from other authors like myself. Another reason why I must refuse is because I’ve never asked a reviewer to cover my book, nor another author to ‘blurb’ it and have strong feelings about the ethics of doing so. Best wishes, Ashok Banker

“Dear Mr Banker, I’ve just finished reading the first in your series of Ramayana books. And I’m overwhelmed by your story telling.

I first read the epics in school (8th grade I think) both in sketchy text book form and in Amar Chitra Katha. While the former was centered on morals, the latter was all about heroism.

But you simply tell the story. And that’s incredible — it feels more pure than all the other versions I’ve heard or watched. When I read your book, I don’t hate supanakha or ravana or idolise rama and lakshman; in fact I marvel at them all equally. They are creatures of equal intrigue and magnitude. They are truly players that bring balance to the force.
I started reading your book just when Star Wars Episode 3 was launched. Am a big fan of Star Wars and I couldn’t help making connections between Tolkien’s Lord Of the Rings, Star Wars and Ramayana. (To some extent even Harry Potter carries a similar refrain — but much more diluted). My husband and I began to draw all kinds of parallels between the Jedi Knights and the Brahmarishis, between Star Wars and Ramayana and even LOTR. The power of the Bramhan that binds the universe and the force the Jedis believe that binds the universe too. Lanka and Mordor (from LOTR) and all the creatures from these two places are so similar.

Well, I won’t go further into it right now, but I was wondering if you ever thought about it too. In case you’re in Singapore, it would be a pleasure to meet you and talk about all this and more. About me: I used to live in mumbai till last November. I was working with Femina as Chief Features Editor and Beauty Editor. Since I’ve moved here, I freelance for Harper’s Bazaar.” Ruchira Bose Roy (and Siddhartha Roy), Singapore
Dear Ruchira and Siddharth,

A pleasure to hear from you. Thanks for your wonderful compliments.

I have some reservations about the comparisons to LoTR and Star Wars. This is difficult to explain without writing a thesis, but honestly, there’s ample evidence that both Tolkien and George Lucas were heavily influenced by mythology, Lucas in particular admitting to this openly, and of course, paying homage through the use of (slightly altered) words like Yodha (Yoda), Padma (Padme), the brahmarishi-kshatriya pairing (Jedi master and knight, as well as Sith lord and apprentice), Darth Vader (Ravana), and many other similarities (one Buddhist version of the Ramayana has Rama and Sita as brother and sister, and Ravana their father – sound familiar?). As for me, my intention was to retell the original source story itself. But its somewhat like releasing a Hollywood film twenty years after the Hindi ‘copy’ has become a hit and a legend; it’s impossible to tell the chicken from the egg by that point.

Still, thanks for your apreciation and do keep reading. In my opinion, and that of several thousand other readers, the series actually gets better with the subsequent books. I still don’t own a passport so coming to Singapore is slightly difficult (!) but please feel free to email me anytime and ask me anything. Best regards, Ashok

“Just finished read your Armies of Hanuman. It is a hard to put down book and I can not wait for Bridge of Rama. It quite difficult to find your book in Jakarta, fortunately i have them in Periplus. Can’t wait for Bridge of Rama now. Keep up your work and God bless you.” Savitri G, Jakarta, Indonesia

Savitri, thank you for those kind words. I am so sorry my books are hard to find in Jakarta. If it was up to me, I would have them in every bookstore. But as long as there are true readers like yourself who understand and appreciate what I am doing, the day will surely come when all my books will be available freely there and everywhere else. Do keep reading: it’s readers like you who keep me writing this wonderful epic. The bridge is being built and will surely reach you in time. Best wishes, Ashok K. Banker

hi ashok, i’ve recommended your books to two friends who absolutely love them. they are very devout swaminarayans and read and know a lot of the stories (unlike me) already, but they also found your books to be insightful and more importantly EXCITING! i haven’t got the last three books yet, but i’m coming to india for three months on a travel scholarship to dance in september, and will definitely be seeking out all your works then. i shall be in madras, i very much hope they are on sale there. thank you again.” Seeta Patel, London

Hi again Seeta, I’m so pleased to hear that your swaminarayan friends liked the books. About the last three books, well, there are actually only two more left. Bridge of Rama, the fifth, comes out everywhere in December (simultaneous worldwide release), and King of Ayodhya in May 2006. Wish you could have them all in September but all I can say is… sabar ka phal meetha! Best wishes, Ashok

“dear sir, i required more information about the nemisharanya (dandkaranya). i want to visit the same. so its my sincere request to guide me.” Anand, Chikhli, Buldana, Maharashtra

Dear Anandji, I am so sorry to be unable to provide the information you require. I think it would be best if you contact an appropriate guide or book on this matter. I wish you all the best in finding the information you seek. Best wishes, Ashok K. Banker

“I don’t know many people who have read The Ramayana in its entirety. Most can credit Mr. Ramanand Sagar for their mythological knowledge. A writer by the name of Ashok Banker has taken up writing the whole epic in a series of seven books. Two of them by the name Prince of Ayodhya and Seige of Mithila have already been in the market for some time now. The third one in the series; Demons of Chitrakut has just been released. The author seeks to narrate the story in a way that it appeals to people away from India and also the younger generation. I have read the first two and certainly are a lot better than my memories of Mr. Sagar’s version on DD. The third one hasn’t hit the stores in Ahmedabad as yet. If you get a chance….give it a read.” Pratish, Ahmedabad

“Ramayana is one of the two most popular ancient epics of India. The other one being Mahabharatha. It is a story of Lord Ram conquering and defeating the demon king Ravan of Lanka. It is an epic which even when it is entertaining, does not loose touch with teachings of doing ones dharma (sacred duty). The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage called Valmiki. There are numerous reproductions of this epic by many people. And the first time that I read the Ramayana was that written by S.Rajagopalachari (Bhavans Publications) and it was a really moving tale. And every Hindu or Indian will definitely know the story by heart. So when I came across another book on Ramayana titled Siege of Mithila by one Ashok K. Banker, I was not too keen. But I made this choice because I was attracted by the cover page of the book which was attractive.

But once I started reading this book, I could not keep the book down. I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. Ashok K. Banker has made a great job in compiling this book. His style of story telling is really brilliant. And he has a way with words which gives expression to his thoughts. And it is written with the modern reader in mind – so all Sanskrit and Indian ethnic words are kept to a minimum. Also the author has given a glossary at the end of the book for the help of those who are new to these Sanskrit words used in the book which explains their meaning according to their contextual usage in this book. So if you didn’t understand the meaning of a word in the book, just look into the back of the book.

The story in this book goes thus… The invasion has begun and the bestial demon hordes roar towards Ayodhya. If Ayodhya falls, then all mortal-kind will fall. But Rama cannot return home to defend his family. He must journey to Mithila – a city lying directly in the path of destruction. There, a small band of heroes plan a valiant stand against the advancing armies of darkness.
It seems a futile quest. Lanka’s forces are near boundless and have swept all before them. Even if Rama can unearth a hidden dev-astra – a powerful artifact of the gods – his chances of victory remain slight. For at the head of the demon tide rides Rama’s nemesis, a terrible and ruthless slayer of souls – the demon lord Ravana.

This book Siege of Mithila is the second part of the seven books that Ashok Banker is bringing out. Even though each book is a continuation of the story of Ramayana, the books can be enjoyed individually even if you have not read the preceding books. These books are published by Orbit Books and each book is priced at Pounds 6.99. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series when I get my hands on them.” Ravi, London

Hi Ravi, my admins found your review on the net, and copied it to me as they usually do, so I don’t know if you’ll actually see this reply I’m posting here. In case you do, just want you to know that there are now going to be six books, not seven, in my Ramayana series. The last two are called Bridge of Rama and King of Ayodhya. Also, the last three books, from Armies of Hanuman onwards, are priced at Pounds 7.99 (not 6.99 as you mentioned) and all the six books are now reissued in a slightly different format with totally different covers. But of course, the publishers are still Orbit (an imprint of Time Warner Books), and I’m thankful for that! Do keep reading, and if you ever happen to read this, please feel free to email me with any comments or queries you have. Best regards, Ashok K. Banker

“I’ve been revisiting myths from my childhood like classic indian tales. I have revived my interest in the Ramayana. Interestingly Ashok Banker is an unconventional author. I just happened upon his novel and picked it up as a trophy buy from the bookstore. Yeah rite. Two hours later, i can’t put the book down to get my ass to school on time. And all of this while studying for a test. On the whole, a solid investment. Cheers mate.” Acidhawk, Toronto, Ontario

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